This is a zine dedicated to death/thrash, technical and traditional death metal for more info contact hatredmeanswar@yahoo.com looking for new authors do to lack of time to cover everything email me at the email listed above if you want to do reviews and interviews for the blog.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Sacramental Blood Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?Well we did lot of shows, had some line up changes and we recorded/released our 2nd demo "The Second Death" between recording and release of album, since we had few years gap between recording and mixing/mastering and then again till release of album. After the release of album we were forced to focus only on promotion of album through magazines and internet due to our drummer's health issues, but we are looking now for his substitute and hopefully from November we will be able to hit the stage again and tour as much as possible. In other news, in coming weeks Miner Records will release limited edition of single cd "Destroyer of Thought and Form", that will contain title track and experimental version of another track from album, "Sanctimonious", enriched with keyboards.

2.In May you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?Well it's continuation of what we did on our 2 demos but it has better sound and we captured better performance. Many reviews state it's old school death metal with modern sound of 16th Cellar studio. Musically it's old school brutal death metal in vein of bands like old Monstrosity, Sinister, Suffocation with Obituary/Death and Deicide kind of vocals. Of course there's also more songs so we could deliver more
variety on "Ternion Demonarchy" than on our 2 demos. It's definitely our best work to date.

3.The band took a hiatus for a few years, what was the cause of the break and also the decision to re-group?After the tour with God Dethroned and Fleshgod Apocalypse in 2009 I realised I could no longer keep the band functional with the same line up since half of the band didn't want to play tours anymore. Still there were too many factors involved so I couldn't just fire those people. We were also not satisfied how was album mixed, but since there was break in communication between band members, we couldn't agree about the future of the band and what to do with album, so I was forced to go on hiatus and just wait until some things come to right place. In beginning on 2011 we got an offer to tour with Disgorge and Natron and I decided to risk and bring new vocalist/guitarist to the band. That was turning point for us because it gave us whole new sound + we stripped band line up to the core that wanted to work hard and continue touring. Hiatus was something I was forced to, so the question was just when will we regroup and continue our mission.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?Our lyrics on "Ternion Demonarchy" deal with religion and destructive nature of mankind, mental and social alienation, cloning and sorcery. Sometimes it's more obvious and sometimes it's multi layer song, with horror stories in first plan and deeper meaning hidden between the lines.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sacramental Blood'?I came up with idea for band's name after watching some documentary about Mayan civilisation. For decades general opinion was that they didn't know about violence and cruelty, but then few decades ago some archaeologists found some old Mayan wall paintings showing human sacrifices and blood rituals they were practising everyday. Even their kings had to spill their own blood about 5 times a day in order to please their gods. They believed prosperity of whole community was depending on their sacramental blood. If something went wrong they believed gods needed more blood or that king's blood wasn't good enough. All those rituals and beliefs were perfectly described later in Mel Gibson's movie "Apocalypto". I thought the name sounds great and has meaning that perfectly fits our music and lyrics.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?The last run of shows we did in 2011-2012 with new line up were some we really enjoyed because of chemistry we had. Also show with Sinister in Belgrade, our debut show in Sofia (Bulgaria) and shows with Cannibal Corpse and Vader stick in my mind

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?As soon as we find new drummer we are going to start booking shows again. We were forced to turn down many great offers this year and that sucks. We just can't wait to get back in touring mode and try to visit some new countries and revisit some old places

8.The album was released on 3 different labels, are you happy with the support they have given you so far?Yes,"Ternion Demonarchy" is released on cd through Ghastly music (Japan) worldwide. Miner Records (Swiss) released cd for ex Yugoslavia territory and they will also release it on vinyl, while Rebirth the Metal (Germany) released it on tape. We also got few days ago an offer from some Brazilian label to release cd in Brazil too so album should be available to all metalheads worldwide. We are more or less satisfied with labels by means of releases and distribution, I just wish they do more in terms of promotion since we are responsible for 95% of reviews out there.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?It has been great so far. It seems like everybody like it. We are getting fantastic reviews and fans are also full or praise for "Ternion Demonarchy". I can't really remember any single bad comment I read about it

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?No big changes. We will continue to do what we do the best, the same way we did in the past. We have never discussed change of direction we will go except when we got the chance to bring Srdjan to band and change the style of lead vocals. We work on one song until it's the best we could make and then we move to the next song. Each song stands for itself and we try to incorporate in each song all elements we have in our music in general: fast,twisted parts, groovier and mid tempo riffs, thrashier riffs, but like I said, without too much planning. It all comes very natural.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?Bands like Sinister, old Monstrosity and Suffocation, Luciferion, Sadus, Morbid Angel, Disincarnate, Dying Fetus, Hate Eternal, Possessed, Death, old Forbidden, Nevermore, Vader, old Slayer, Tony MacAlpine, Vital Remains... basically many, many death metal and thrash metal bands. Right now I'm playing blasting through Sinister - Cross the Styx and Deicide - Legion will be the next.

12.Does Occultism play any role in your music?No, not really. Some of us had some little experience with occultism but nothing big and important and it didn't affect our music

13.What are some of your non musical interests?I don't have much interests nor time for anything else besides music and my little daughter. Srdjan is into kick box and soon will become kick box trainer. Drummer Ivan rides bicycle and is internet addict, digging anything related to conspiracy theories, secret societies and new world order

14.Before we wrap up this interview. do you have any final words or thoughts?We are doing our best to get back on the road and once when we get there be sure to come and check us out. Album is available from band directly and we have some nice T-shirts in stock too, so do not hesitate to get in touch with us and order your copy. For orders, booking or any other information write to sacramentalblood@yahoo.com or visit our facebook page. Thanks for your attention!